How to Find Your Dream Liveaboard Marina in Florida in 2023

If you’re a boater looking for a new adventure, Florida is one of the top destinations in the United States for liveaboard marinas. 

With its warm climate and beautiful waters, it’s no surprise that many people choose to make Florida their home port. Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or just starting out, there are plenty of options to choose from.

Florida has a wide variety of live-aboard marinas that offer different amenities and services. Some marinas are located in busy cities with access to restaurants, bars, and entertainment, while others are in quieter locations with a more relaxed atmosphere. 

The best marina for you will depend on your preferences and needs, but there are a few top marinas that stand out from the rest.

In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the best live-aboard marinas in Florida. We’ll provide you with all the information you need to know, including location, amenities, and pricing. 

Whether you’re looking for a marina with a pool, a boat yard, or a friendly community of boaters, we’ve got you covered. So, grab your sunscreen, and let’s dive in!

What to Look for in a Liveaboard Marina

Before you start searching for a liveaboard marina for your boat in Florida, you need to have a clear idea of what you are looking for. 

Here are some factors to consider:

• Location: Do you want to be close to a city or a natural area? Do you prefer the Atlantic Coast or the Gulf Coast? Do you want easy access to the ocean or inland waterways? Do you want to be near attractions, restaurants, shops, and services?
• Amenities: What facilities and services do you need or want in a marina? Do you need electricity, water, wifi, laundry, showers, restrooms, pump-out, fuel, ice, etc.? Do you want a pool, a clubhouse, a gym, a restaurant, a bar, etc.?
• Community: What kind of vibe and atmosphere do you want in a marina? Do you want a friendly and social environment or a quiet and private one? Do you want to mingle with other liveaboards or keep to yourself? Do you want to join activities and events or do your own thing?
• Cost: How much can you afford to pay for a liveaboard slip? Do you want a monthly or annual contract? Do you want to pay extra for utilities and amenities or have them included in the fee? Do you want to save money by anchoring out or staying at mooring fields?

The Best Liveaboard Marinas in Florida

Based on these criteria, we have compiled a list of some of the best live-aboard marinas in Florida. These are not ranked in any order, but rather grouped by regions. 

Of course, this is not an exhaustive list and there may be other marinas that suit your needs better. We encourage you to do your own research and visit the marinas before making a decision.

Northern Florida

• Panama City Marina – Panama City: This is a full-service marina located in downtown Panama City. It offers 240 wet slips with electricity, water, wifi, cable TV, pump-out, fuel, ice, laundry, showers, restrooms, and security. It also has a ship store, a restaurant, a bar, and a park. It is close to shops, museums, theaters, and festivals. The monthly liveaboard fee is $10 per foot plus utilities.
• Bay Point Marina – Panama City Beach: This is a resort-style marina located on Grand Lagoon. It offers 180 wet slips with electricity, water, wifi, pump-out, fuel, ice, laundry, showers, restrooms, and security. It also has a pool, a spa, a golf course, a tennis court, a fitness center, a restaurant, and a bar. It is close to beaches, parks, and attractions. The monthly liveaboard fee is $15 per foot plus utilities.

East Central Florida

• Fort Pierce City Marina – Fort Pierce: This is a modern marina located on the Indian River Lagoon. It offers 240 wet slips with electricity, water, wifi, cable TV, pump-out, fuel, ice, laundry, showers, restrooms, and security. It also has a ship store, a lounge, a farmers market, and a trolley service. It is close to downtown Fort Pierce, where you can find shops, restaurants, museums, and galleries. The monthly liveaboard fee is $14 per foot plus utilities.
• Eau Gallie Yacht Basin – Melbourne: This is a historic marina located on the Eau Gallie River. It offers 60 wet slips with electricity, water, wifi, pump-out, fuel, ice, laundry, showers, restrooms, and security. It also has a ship store and a picnic area. It is close to Eau Gallie Arts District, where you can find art studios, galleries, cafes, and murals. The monthly liveaboard fee is $12 per foot plus utilities.

West Central Florida

• Gulfport Municipal Marina – Gulfport: This is a friendly and relaxed marina located on Boca Ciega Bay. It offers 250 wet slips with electricity, water, wifi, pump-out, fuel, ice, laundry, showers, restrooms, and security. It also has a ship store, a boat ramp, a fishing pier, and a park. It is close to Gulfport’s waterfront district, where you can find quirky shops, art galleries, cafes, and bars. The monthly liveaboard fee is $10 per foot plus utilities.
• Blind Pass Marina – Saint Pete Beach: This is a cozy and quiet marina located on the Intracoastal Waterway. It offers 50 wet slips with electricity, water, wifi, pump-out, laundry, showers, restrooms, and security. It also has a lounge, a library, a pool table, and a barbecue area. It is close to St Pete Beach and Treasure Island, where you can find beautiful beaches, restaurants, and entertainment. The monthly liveaboard fee is $15 per foot plus utilities.

Central Florida

• Green Cove Springs Marina – Green Cove Springs: This is a rustic and affordable marina located on the St Johns River. It offers 200 wet slips with electricity, water, wifi, pump-out, fuel, ice, laundry, showers, restrooms, and security. It also has a shipyard, a boatyard, a chandlery, and a storage yard. It is close to Green Cove Springs’ historic downtown, where you can find antique shops, museums, and parks. The monthly liveaboard fee is $8 per foot plus utilities.
• Twin Dolphin Marina – Bradenton: This is a luxurious and scenic marina located on the Manatee River. It offers 225 wet slips with electricity, water, wifi, cable TV, pump-out, fuel, ice, laundry, showers, restrooms, and security. It also has a pool, a spa, a fitness center, a restaurant, a bar, and a concierge service. It is close to Bradenton’s Riverwalk, where you can find art installations, playgrounds, amphitheaters, and festivals. The monthly liveaboard fee is $18 per foot plus utilities.

Southern Florida

• Calusa Island Marina – Goodland: This is a secluded and peaceful marina located on the Marco River. It offers 100 wet slips with electricity, water, wifi, pump-out, fuel, ice, laundry, showers, restrooms, and security. It also has a ship store, a bait shop, a fish cleaning station, and a picnic area. It is close to Goodland’s fishing village, where you can find seafood restaurants, live music, and art shows. The monthly liveaboard fee is $12 per foot plus utilities.
• Mangrove Marina – Tavernier: This is a unique and charming marina located on Florida Bay. It offers 102 wet slips and 42 houseboat rentals with electricity, water, wifi, cable TV, pump-out, fuel, ice, laundry, showers, restrooms, and security. It also has a bar, a barbecue area, a sun terrace, and an outdoor pool. It is close to Tavernier’s Island community, where you can find shops, cafes, and attractions. The monthly liveaboard fee is $18 per foot plus utilities.

FAQ

Q: What are the legal requirements for living aboard your boat in Florida?

A: According to Florida law, you need to register your boat with the state if you plan to live aboard it for more than 90 days in any 365-day period. You also need to comply with the environmental regulations regarding sewage disposal and waste management. You may also need to obtain permission from the local authorities or the marina management if you want to live aboard your boat in certain areas.

Q: What are the best times of the year to live aboard your boat in Florida?

A: Florida has a subtropical climate with hot and humid summers and mild and dry winters. The average temperature ranges from 65°F to 81°F throughout the year. The hurricane season runs from June to November, with the peak activity in August and September. The best times of the year to live aboard your boat in Florida are from December to May when the weather is cooler, drier, and less stormy. However, you can live aboard your boat in Florida all year round if you are prepared for the heat, humidity, and hurricanes.

Q: What are the benefits of living aboard your boat in Florida?

A: Living aboard your boat in Florida can offer many benefits, such as:

• Saving money on rent, mortgage, taxes, utilities, and maintenance.
• Having more freedom and flexibility to travel and explore new places.
• Enjoying the beauty and tranquility of nature and water.
• Being part of a friendly and supportive community of fellow liveaboards.
• Having a simpler and more minimalist lifestyle with less clutter and stress.

Q: What are the challenges of living aboard your boat in Florida?

A: Living aboard your boat in Florida can also pose some challenges, such as:

• Dealing with heat, humidity, insects, mold, and corrosion.
• Facing the risk of hurricanes, storms, floods, and theft.
• Finding a suitable and affordable liveaboard marina that meets your needs and preferences.
• Maintaining and repairing your boat regularly and properly.
• Adjusting to the limited space, storage, privacy, and comfort of living on a boat.

Conclusion

Living aboard your boat in Florida can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience if you do it right. You need to find a liveaboard marina that matches your location preferences, amenity needs, community expectations, and budget constraints. You also need to be aware of the legal requirements, weather conditions, benefits, and challenges of living on a boat in Florida. We hope this blog post has helped you learn more about how to find your dream liveaboard marina in Florida. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to share them below. Happy sailing!